i might be biased but i applaud the clear and convincing voice of my friend paul ryan. [applause] now, if i were to offer advice to any person who was or became the president of the united states it would be this, do whatever you can to keep america strong, to keep america prosperous and free, and the most powerful nation on earth. it is no secret that the last century was an american century. it is no secret that over the span of the coming century that is not written in the stars. america's position is not guaranteed. the consequence, if america were to be surpassed by another nation would be devastating. why do i say that? the other leading contenders for world leadership, china, russia, not one of them excepts freedom as we understand it. only america and american strength can preserve freedom for us, the rest of the world, and the people we love. [applause] freedom depends on america and american leadership depends on a military so strong, so superior that no one would think to engage it. our military strength depends on an economy so strong that it can support tha